Ujjain, April 20 Worship practices at the historic Sandipani Ashram in Ujjain have been reshaped as a severe heatwave grips Madhya Pradesh, with temperatures crossing 41°C in Ujjain and ranging between 40°C and 43°C across several districts.
The rising mercury and intense summer conditions have led to what temple priests describe as a "seasonal seva tradition", in which rituals dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshipped here in Bal Swaroop (child form), are adjusted to ensure comfort during extreme weather.
At the centre of the changes is the daily seva of Lord Krishna, where traditional practices have been modified in line with seasonal needs. Chief priest Kirti Roopam Vyas said the adjustments reflect an age-old belief system that treats the deity as a living child.
"Lord Krishna is served in child form here. Just as a child requires special care during extreme weather, we also adapt his seva according to the season. This is an established tradition at Sandipani Ashram," Vyas said on Monday.
Under the revised arrangements, the deity is being bathed with cool water multiple times a day to provide relief from the scorching heat. Fans have been installed near the sanctum to maintain a cooler environment, and a clay pot filled with chilled water has been placed before the deity as part of traditional cooling practices.
The changes are also reflected in the offerings. Heavy, rich dishes have been replaced with lighter, cooling preparations. The bhog now includes seasonal fruits, buttermilk, curd, sweetened yoghurt, and shrikhand, which are traditionally considered cooling foods during peak summer.
The attire of Lord Krishna has also been adapted to the weather conditions. The deity is now adorned in lightweight cotton garments with minimal embroidery to ensure better air circulation and comfort during the intense heat.
Vyas emphasised that such adjustments are not new or temporary, but part of a long-standing devotional system followed at the ashram.
Seasonal adjustment in seva is not new for us, she added. It is an expression of devotion where care and affection are shown through ritual adaptation.
Across Madhya Pradesh, the heatwave has intensified conditions in daily life, with multiple districts reporting temperatures above 40°C, making daytime movement difficult for residents.
Despite the harsh weather, the unique seasonal rituals at Sandipani Ashram continue to attract devotees and visitors, reflecting how deeply devotional traditions in Ujjain remain connected to nature and changing climatic cycles.
- IANS
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